Volunteer
Volunteers
The Painted Turtle relies on the generosity of hundreds of volunteers every year to accomplish our mission. Each year, more than 800 volunteers donate over 35,000 hours to make the magic of The Painted Turtle a reality. When you volunteer with us, you become a part of The Painted Turtle family: a caring, supportive, and compassionate community that comes together to make a difference in the lives of our campers. Our volunteer opportunities include Family Weekends, Summer Sessions, and the Holiday Gathering in Lake Hughes!
The Volunteer Program is endowed by Delta Zeta Sorority.
2024 Opportunities
The Painted Turtle is now accepting volunteer applications. Please be sure to check your eligibility here.
2024 Volunteer Calendar
Outpost (In-Hospital Program)
Family Weekends (Lake Hughes)
Spring
Young Adult Leadership Weekend: February 23-25
Spina Bifida Family Weekend: March 8-10
Neuromuscular and Genetic Family Weekend: March 22-24
Liver Disease & Transplant, PIDD, TPN, and IBD Family Weekend: April 5-7
Pulmonary Hypertension Family Weekend: April 12-22
Fall
Epilepsy Family Weekend: September 27-29
Kidney Disease & Transplant Family Weekend: October 18-20
Neuromuscular and Genetic Family Weekend: November 1-3
Campamento para Familias: November 15-17
Questions? Please contact Megan O’Meara, Volunteer Coordinator, at megano@thepaintedturtle.org or call 310-451-1353 x108.
Summer Camp Sessions (Lake Hughes)
Skeletal Dysplasia and MPS: June 8-12 (Volunteers arrive June 7)
Kidney Disease & Transplant and Adrenal Insufficiency: June 16-20 (Volunteers arrive June 15)
Neuromuscular, Genetic, and Epilepsy: June 24-28 (Volunteers arrive June 23)
Muscular Dystrophy: July 7-11 (Volunteers arrive July 6)
Hemophilia/vWD and Thalassemia: July 16-21 (Volunteers arrive July 15)
Liver Disease & Transplant, PIDD, TPN, and IBD: July 25-29 (Volunteers Arrive July 24)
Questions? Please contact Megan O’Meara, Volunteer Coordinator, at megano@thepaintedturtle.org or call 310-451-1353 x108.
Volunteer Requirements and Application
Welcome volunteer applicants! We appreciate your interest in getting involved with our program.
All new and returning volunteers may apply by completing an online application. We accept applications on a rolling basis and we recommend applying as far in advance of the session(s) you wish to attend. We recommend completing your application at least 5-6 weeks before your desired session.
Volunteer Opportunities
The volunteer program at The Painted Turtle is an incredibly rewarding opportunity to bring joy, laughter, and smiles to our campers and families. The Painted Turtle recruits volunteers for our spring and fall programs as well as for our week-long Summer Sessions and hospital and community outreach opportunities.
The Painted Turtle is currently accepting applications for our 2024 Sessions. All new and returning volunteers may apply for 2024 sessions by completing an online application.